Before “Shop Local,” John Adamson Built His Life Around It

An October 17 community celebration honors a longtime Central Street businessman who believed that strong communities are built by people who participate in them.

Long before “shop local” became a slogan, neighborhood businesses were about much more than transactions. They were places where people knew one another, where customers became friends, and where the person behind the counter became part of the neighborhood fabric.

For nearly five decades, that was how John Adamson approached both business and community life in Evanston. A lifelong resident and Central Street businessman, Adamson believed that being part of a community came with a certain responsibility: know your neighbors, support the people and organizations around you, lend a hand when someone needs one and, above all, participate.

That philosophy is now the inspiration for “GET OFF YOUR KEISTER” A Community Celebration, which is a free public event taking place Saturday, October 17, at Independence Park. Rather than creating a traditional memorial, Adamson’s family wanted to build something that reflected the way he lived — with music, laughter, local organizations, food, conversation, and plenty of opportunities for people to connect with one another and become more involved in the community.

A Central Street Life

In 1991, Adamson and Sandy Brown founded Lakeshore Partners Real Estate on Central Street- building it around personal relationships, local knowledge, and a belief that real estate was ultimately about people rather than properties.

Over the years, the office became part of the rhythm of the neighborhood. Clients became friends, friends became clients, neighbors stopped by, and longtime office manager Julie Goncoe became an integral part of both the business and the extended community that seemed to grow around it. Adamson’s approach was summed up in a simple message associated with his business: “Need Real Help? Just Call John.”

That sentiment extended well beyond real estate. Adamson had a habit of connecting people, recommending local businesses, supporting small organizations, coaching and encouraging young people, making music, and looking for practical ways to help. When he said “get off your keister,” it was not a reprimand, but a funny way to remind you to make yourself useful. He believed that community does not simply happen on its own; it depends on people making decisions to show up and contribute.

Turning a Memorial Into a Community Day

Adamson died in 2026, and his family is honoring his memory by bringing together many things he valued: music, community groups, local businesses, and neighbors spending an afternoon together.

Several Evanston-area nonprofits will be represented at the event, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about working in areas including homelessness and housing, youth and family support, mental health, the arts, animal welfare, and other community needs. The hope is that folks will discover a cause they like and get involved.

Live music will be a major part of the afternoon, with Doors Ajar and The Grateful Dudes performing at Independence Park. The event itself, including all live music, is free and open to the public. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from participating food trucks and vendors.

The gathering is intended for more than Adamson’s family and longtime friends. Organizers hope to see longtime Evanstonians, newer residents, local business owners, former clients, families enjoying a Saturday afternoon, and even people who may have never met John Adamson, but who are interested in supporting the neighborhood around them.

A Celebration With a Purpose

The timing of the event carries some additional meaning: Adamson would have turned 75 on October 19, just two days after the celebration. The larger purpose of the afternoon is not just commemorating one person’s life, but the event is meant to carry forward a belief that shaped it.

Supporting your community can be as simple as buying lunch from a local business, learning about an organization doing good work, volunteering a few hours, introducing yourself to someone you have never met, or spending an afternoon listening to music with your neighbors. None of those gestures is particularly grand on its own, but taken together, they are the kinds of choices that build a strong community.

That’s the idea behind Get Off Your Keister: come enjoy the music, grab something to eat, meet some of the people doing good work around Evanston, and leave with a new connection or a new reason to get involved.

It is also a fitting continuation of a philosophy Adamson practiced long before “shop local” became a movement: support the people around you, participate in the place where you live, and when you can, get off your keister to help out.

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GET OFF YOUR KEISTER!

A Community Celebration

Continuing John Adamson’s Legacy of Service

Saturday, October 17, 2026

1:00–3:00 PM

Independence Park

2627 Stewart Avenue

Evanston, Illinois

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Rain Location:

St. Athanasius Gymnasium

2510 Ashland Ave., Evanston

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The event and live music are free and open to the public. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.